Thursday, September 26, 2013

Finally watched ‘TheLunchbox’. Since I saw
the trailors of the movie, I wanted to catch it anyhow. Besides, the entire cast
of the film was just fuelling up my desire further. I love Irrfan Khan. His
acting has always charmed me right from the Badrinath/Somnath
Twin characters he played in the epic tele-serial ‘Chandrakanta’. Films like Maqbool, Pan Singh Tomar, The Namesake, A Mighty Heart, Slumdog Millionaire, New
York and not to forget Life of Pi
further substantiated his acting abilities and tagged him as one of the hand-picked
actors this industry has to provide.

About the actress Nimrit Kaur, she’s certainly awesome with a very stout
existence on screen. It’s not easy to leave a noteworthy mark especially in the
presence of two biggies, but she’s done a decent job in mitigating her role as Ila. Considering this is her debut film
in a lead role, Nimrit Kaur enticed me with her terrific performance.

What do I say about Nawazuddin Siddiqui! This man has just wooed me
right from the first time I saw him on screen. He has portrayed strong characters
in films like New York, Dev D, Firaaq,
Black Friday, Gangs of Wasseypur I & II, Kahaani, Peepli Live & Talaash.
In TheLunchbox,
he plays Irrfan Khan’s assistant in his office doing a delightful job and flawlessly
complimenting Irrfan Khan. The duo efficaciously crafts a total mystic on
screen carrying the audience in a different domain.

Ila
(Nimrit Kaur) is like any other middle-class Mumbai housewife. Her day starts
early and involves the daily doings like getting her only daughter ready for
school, preparing food for her husband who doesn’t seem to have any interest left
in either Ila or their marriage, laundry, shopping, etc. She’s intensely alone. Call it a blunder, fluke
or sheer fortune, one day the lunchbox is not delivered to her husband but
reaches the desk of Saajan Fernandes
(Irrfan). This lunchbox brings certain passion in this widower’s lonely life. Saajan tastes the flavours of love after
years of depending on the boring mess food. His soul is warmed by this food. Ila realises that the tiffin she so
dearly packs for her husband is had by someone else but is happy to see it all
clean at the end of the day. On the insistence of her neighbouring ‘Aunty’ (It’s just the voice that’s
portrayed and I have a strong feeling it’s of Bharti Achrekar, another noted
actress), she decides to write a note to ‘the other man’ and sends it along
with the lunchbox the next day. Saajan
replies this note and thus begins an exchange of notes on regular basis leading
to a vague bond. Ila and Saajan revive themselves with these
handwritten notes. They decide to give life another chance.

The
film beautifully deals with depression, isolation and unanswered love. TheLunchbox
is also an ode to Mumbai. You peep into the jam-packed local trains, the
over-crowded buses and the busy roads. It displays how gentle relations and ties
are formed amongst the hustle bustle of the city so well-known to us. The film
also takes you in your earlier years while taking a glimpse of certain scenes
from Doordarshan’s Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi
and songs from Saajan.

Full
marks to debutant director Ritesh Batra for generating a world so current yet
so ancient. It’s a decent variation to see two people involving over love
letters than SMS’s and Whatsapp messaging. Ritesh also has a robust grip over
the storyline of the film. There are few sections in the film which are a bit stretched
but you are so captivated into the film’s expressiveness that you overlook
the lengthy parts. Ritesh is aided by a talented star cast who uplifts the film
to, all in all, a diverse level. Adjectives nose-dive when it comes to unfolding
Irrfan’s enactment. He hardly speaks in the film and just lets his body do the
talking. Nimrit Kaur is a discovery. She’s the lash of fresh air that’s so
required in our cinema today. She demonstrates all feelings; love, desire, grief
and delight with copious ease. Her efforts seem graceful.

All
things considered, TheLunchbox is one of the finest films Hindi film industry has created.
It lifts us a notch higher. Do yourself an act of kindness and catch this film.
And you are cautioned… you might be starving for some good home-cooked food and affection
when the end credits roll.

Saturday, August 24, 2013

When kids are around, it appears
that I am constantly in a hurry…. There’s a mysterious earnestness that circles
me when I see my chipmunks around and I thrust things to conclusion when it’s
really not required.

Yesterday, being Friday, I
could have afforded to be in peacetime. To let the day move at its own pace as
it was the beginning of a weekend. Yet, I cherry-picked to ensure that things
are completed right at their usual pace and time. Kids weren't in a great mood
for the completion of homework, and yet I insisted they finish their homework,
worksheets, assignments…all at one go… even their dinner. And though I love the
way my daughter says…"Raav goh Mamma…falya suti aasa goh..” (Mamma, please relax
today…its holiday tomorrow), there’s a sense of urgency that occupies a better
part of my brains.

In my quest for excellence and flawlessness
in everything, I feel I am turning mechanical in a way. I just read
a lovely article on Facebook written by a Mom whose entire life
revolves around the words ‘Hurry Up’ and shockingly, I could just see myself
fitting in the bill like a jigsaw puzzle. Weekends are supposed to be for
relaxation and freaking out and yet I seem to hurry up to ensure that all the
activities planned are taken to task at stipulated period. What the heck if we
reach 30 mins late for grocery shopping? No one is going to sue me for it or
there isn’t any time slots dedicated to the shoppers…! And before your brains
start working overtime…NO…I am not insane and neither have I allowed my life to
be dictated by the tickling of the watch. It’s just that I am a stickler for commitments…commitments
made to myself…commitments made to others!

In my house, Fridays are
generally dedicated to one’s own impulses. There are no strict sleeping rituals
for kids. They are allowed to sleep as and when they want. They are even allowed to sleep in our
bedroom, if they wish..which they always do! So, as usual, yesterday I and kids
ended up getting into my bed well past midnight. I was so sleepy that I was
struggling with my eyelids. And yet I didn't want to miss out on the small
little gossips and chatters that kids were into. Suddenly Akshat got out of the
bed and went into the adjoining balcony. I moved the curtains to check what he
was up to at 12:30 in the night. To my absolute dismay, he was just sitting out
there tranquilly gazing at the broad horizon and the stars above. I was just
too inquisitive to know what he was perceiving so meticulously and just
casually investigated. He said…'I am looking at my country, Mamma!’… pointing
out to several activities going around at that time. The flights taking off and
descending at the International Airport that has an unblemished visibility from
my balcony, the Metro bridge that’s still under construction, the dancing
lights of the highways and the cars fleeting by, the people walking on the
roads and not to forget few parents and kids still enjoying the serenity and
calmness of the night-time in the children’s’ park below. This 6 yr old chap,
after a tough day (of course, in his own little way), at 12:30 at night chose
to observe the world around him. Such innocence! Touché… For a moment, I let go
of my inhibitions that it was past midnight and we were well into the
other day and appreciatively joined him in his endeavour.

As adults, we become so enthralled
in ‘doing’ things that we barely care enough to check how we do those things…whether
we enjoy doing them…whether the same can be done in a more creative way and so on! On contrary, kids reflect much more
creativity in an out-of-the-box mode that sometimes put us to complete embarrassment.
Just like the other day, my daughter asked me in an awfully off-the-cuff tone
while driving back home whether there’s a ‘Nail Fairy’, too! While familiarizing
them to the ‘Tooth Fairy’, it hadn’t occurred to me once that there could be
other Fairies too…Such are the joys of childhood!

And even while I pen this, my eyes carelessly stroll to check the time
on my pc for absolutely no reason….I guess, this is what is called ‘Old habits
die hard’…!

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Today kids celebrated Rakshabandhan.
This festival is celebrated to mark the strong bond between a brother and his
sister. It's a solemn promise that a brother makes to his sister to stand
by her, in times required in lieu of a Rakhi that the sister ties on his wrist.
My kids are too small to understand the history behind the celebration. All
they look forward to is buying colourful Rakhis and enjoying the fun while
tying it to each other’s wrists. Typically, a Rakhi is tied by the sister on
her brother’s wrist. However, Aashvi insisted that Akshat should tie a Rakhi on
her wrist too, in return.

Sharing some of the snaps here…

So, here's wishing all a very Happy Rakshabandhan and may your bond with your siblings grow strongest and wealthiest with each passing moment!

Monday, August 12, 2013

I am not going
to provide any justifications as to why I couldn't blog as much as I wanted to.
Well, as I expect you to recognize that there have been whys and wherefores and
other primacies that kept me pretty employed, I could not get into the precise disposition
to blog about anything. Well, now that my life is a bit more rationalized, here
I am.

Kids schooling
and all related activities keep me quite on toes. Each evening, as I enthusiastically
wait for their appearance from school, I correspondingly fear the projects that
would follow, the home works that would keep us awake until late night and the Handbook
notes that are, on occasion, hard to read and comprehend. On the other hand, the
excitement of spotting the stars and encouraging remarks on their books makes
it all worth for. Sometimes, when we slog
so hard trying to find the right pictures/information on Google, cutting and
pasting in their scrap books, I sense like I am re-living my schooling through
them. And when I see a star comment on that assignment, I feel so thrilled and naïvely
promise self to do better the next time. Such are the joys of parenting. I’ll post some
of our assignments shortly for you to relish our creativity.

For the time-being, sharing a beautiful picture we clicked on our way to Pune. There are these awesome tiny waterfalls along the stretch near Lonavla which we just could not resist.

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

“You better keep them away from
those computers, iPads and iPhones. I just read an article in the newspapers
today how they harm the delicate minds of kids. I am so thankful that none of
these gadgets existed while I was raising you. Didn't you have a pleasurable
childhood without these things? Why don’t you understand how bad they are? They’ll
turn your otherwise smart kids into junkies. I am not going to tell you again.
Do whatever you want. You are a mother now and it’s your obligation towards it
that you raise your kids in the best possible way……,” Ma shrieked on the phone
and before I could open my mouth to say something, she banged it.

This is not the first time she
has called especially to lecture me about how I am spoiling my kids by allowing
them the access of iPad and computer. While I understand and appreciate her
heartfelt concerns, I expect her to realize that time has changed drastically
since she brought me up and it’s important to be in pace to grow and nurture. I
grew up in a different atmosphere. Although, I didn't have any gadgets to my
fancy, there were a number of other activities/things that never made me look
for anything else. I was growing up in the safe and secure zone without having
to worry about the child molesters and perverts around. In vacations, I would
roam around my entire colony freely without Ma having to worry about my safety.
And those busy days full of outdoor activities never made me realise the absence
of gadgets or even a computer at home.

Times have changed today. I
freaking worry each day about the safe return of my kids back home from school.
It really embarrasses me beyond your imagination when I ask my kids if anyone
had touched them ‘badly’ during their stay out of the home. I die a guilt-death
each day when I literally take names to bring out things like ‘Did Mr Cleaner touch you anywhere apart
from your hand while helping you get in the bus????’

While I agree with Ma that the
time kids spend on these gadgets should be limited, I am totally against not
using them entirely. Technology has advanced in leaps and bounds and what’s the
use if we don’t exploit it in our favour! There are some wonderful apps
available that teach kids to solve Maths or Language puzzles in the friendliest
ways that sometimes even we fail to. So, where’s the harm if they are learning something new
along with some recreation? Yes, I do not allow downloading those car-crashing
games or similar ones but I never stop them from indulging into something that
has an educational or creative value linked to it.

I understand that Ma’s concerns
are mostly because she isn't much aware about these apps and all she can relate
an iPad or a computer to is games and more games. With due respect to her, I
think I am going to spend a good part of my stay in her home, during upcoming
vacations, explaining her how great the tool is. And she being a teacher
herself, I am sure, will finally succumb to its heavens. Touché!

Friday, March 15, 2013

OK... I am going to start with
the same old line....

It's been a long since I blogged…. :-)

Life suddenly seems to have
become extremely busy and rather tedious. As usual, managing 5 yr old set of
Twins pretty much occupies my patience, time, energy, efforts and more
importantly my entire being. And to top it up, I am assigned with an extra task
of hunting a new home that we soon plan to buy and move in. Although I love
doing whatever it takes to fetch me that golden catch (the home of my dreams)
it does keep me on my toes almost all the day. Consistent browsing of the
property sites, listing out and then comparing various properties as per our
prerequisites and budget and not to mention the innumerable phone calls to
agents, brokers, builders to set up appointments for the visit, really has
turned me into pretty much a nerd actually.

Amidst this entire hustle bustle, managing to find
some me-time is actually a never ending challenge. Nurturing a hobby, taking a
stroll by the park, going swimming, or even an elaborate and soothing shower
are few among the many luxuries I really look forward to. Sometimes, although
it may sound cliché, I wonder if it’s really that difficult to live a life I am
currently living! How did our mothers and grandmothers survived more than one
motherhoods without compromising much on their sanity, patience and an undying
enthusiasm to manage their jobs, kids and the kitchen. So what, if they
weren’t upset about their cushions not being up right and tight at all times,
didn’t even notice that the toys (whatever little there were) were scattered
around the house and remained pretty much the entire day and sometimes
overnight, didn’t realise the importance of spending quality time with the kids
reading stories or just having some meaningful conversations, didn’t feel the
need to adjust those every (or most) evening visits to the park in an already
busy schedule, didn’t bother about bringing in the variations in the menu each
day, didn’t need to haggle around the house helps (mostly because there were
none…) or worry about making some creative and exciting weekend plans! But hey!
What the heck? All that mattered then was their husbands and in-laws being
happy about the delicious meals that were being cooked, kids were gladly
allowed to blow their noses in the ‘pallu’ of their sarees and most
interestingly their willingness to live and operate out of the secure walls of
the joint families more out of love and passion than compulsion. They certainly
didn’t have to rely on some social gatherings like kitty parties to vent out
their emotions and relieve their thoughts especially when there were other
ladies in the house not just to share the mundane routine and day-to-day chores
but also to share the feelings, joys, happiness and most significantly the
sorrows!

Families have scattered. The
concept of nuclear living has taken over the modern and so called sophisticated
life. The thought of sharing the home with someone as close as your own in-laws
feels and looks like a challenge. I guess some of the disadvantages of
modernised and civilised living…! Well, I can’t expect myself to have a life
that my grandmother did…I rather enjoy some perks that she didn't.

And in this busy and gutsy
world, we have unknowingly let go some of the basic virtues of our being like
the joy of giving, kindness, empathy, love! Just a day back, one of my Facebook
friends wrote a wonderful note on Kindness. She is a great writer and I truly
appreciate a certain sense in her writing that keeps her readers glued. She
wrote about how little acts of kindness create a remarkable influence of our
lives, in some or the other way. Her note made me wonder how much we have
compromised to be in the space we are currently in. When my kids greet our
neighbours in the lobby or in the lift, I feel so ridiculously proud of them.
Such incidents compel me to value and respect the depth of relationship my
parents and our then neighbours shared when me and my siblings spent the better
part of our days at their home rushing to our own home only for those short
lunch breaks which we would readily give up if opportunities struck. When
my daughter today gifted one of her most beloved, recently bought toy ball to
her friend at the park just because she was moving abroad, I felt very thrilled
about her generosity. But what about those countless occasions when I, as
a child, have done something similar and shared things that were dear to me,
with my friends back then! No one even realised that it’s something worth
noting. Yes, the world is, indeed, changing and whatever repercussions it may
have on our lives, one thing for sure is that we have learnt to value the
things that were once taken for granted. And I believe, that’s not too bad as
it sounds.

And on that note, I am so glad
that I could finally manage to do what I love doing the most. Blogging. If
nothing else, it better be a hard kick on my butt to ensure that I find some
time to do what I really enjoy.

Cheers to this boost and the
weekend! Have fun and enjoy!

Friday, March 1, 2013

And here it arises! I am referring to a brand new month that’s
just begun today – March!

In all conscience, I shouldn't be writing about it but I am
really nervous about this month. It makes me edgy. It’s the amalgamation of two events; my kids annual day and my Pa’s death. Last year, on
March 30th, when we were just getting ready to leave for kids annual
day at their kindergarten, I received that awful call informing me about the demise
of my father. I know it’s really injudicious of me to link the two episodes but
can’t help; after all a mother and a daughter that I am!

Well, it’s my kids annual day this Tuesday, March 5th
and I really, really plead that all goes well as they are truly enthusiastic
about the event. March, please be decent to me this time! Just read it somewhere that March is the herald of spring, a month of promises and new beginnings. Amen!

And for the rest of you, may you have a great month. Some of
you may be busy preparing your own exams or helping your broods with theirs.
All the best to you, whichever category you fall in!

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Enough is said and written
about the women liberation and empowerment in this era. Are we really? This isn't directed to a few amongst us who are so-called cultured, classy and
sophisticated; who shops for groceries on-line, splurges on branded stuff,
sends their kids to high-end schools and delights in either a kitty-party or a
day out. Honestly, I don’t mean to humiliate those who are fortunate enough to
indulge into these extravagances but what about those, whom we face each day,
observe them suffering, die a horrifying death each night only to face the
morning with much gusto and yet their feet firmly into the ground of realism
through an abstract power to survive. Yes, I am referring to our maids, those
abandoned mothers at some shady old-age homes, some homeless women roaming on
the streets seeking compassion and benevolence, those little daughters
physically abused each hour and those incalculable girls and women raped every
fleeting second.

A
woman has the greatest supremacy – the power to give birth, the power to take
this human race frontward. And while we may claim that this is her prevalent
forte, there are cases where the same woman is tortured and enforced to abort
the foetus just because it’s a girl - another woman, in a sense! I am a born
optimist. I do believe that women are undoubtedly the backbone of not just
their own families but the entire human race. However, when I read about the
female foetus being dumped in the trash, it irritates me; when I hear about
another woman raped, it enrages me and it’s absolutely sickening when I hear
cases about fathers molesting and abusing their own daughters.

Just
barring a few examples, I believe we have to go far afield in accomplishing
that much warranted deliverance, respect and affection for the womankind. I and
you are perhaps just fortunate to have been born in the non-toxic and
comfy zone we spent our childhood in, to have been married to the man who
respects and cares and to have been blessed with a father, brother or a son who
would lay their own lives to protect us from any odds. But each morning, when I
welcome my maid along with those fresh bruises on her body (courtesy her
drunkard, good-for-nothing husband) and watch her struggle for survival to meet the needs
of her two useless grown-up sons and yet live a life that’s dedicated to
everyone else except herself, my faith in our Goddesses Durga and Kaali shakes
a bit.

Not
every woman is likely to be Indra Nooyi or Sonia Gandhi or Angelina Jolie but
should that stop her from being respected, valued, appreciated and loved and
cared for? And when each among us is conferred with these basic moralities,
just then we can proudly say that the human race has truly shed that extra
burden and women are without a doubt, the backbone!

Monday, February 25, 2013

Last week
just zoomed past. The usual kiddies’ stuff, a couple of article
deliverables and more prominently a melancholy of turning 35 pretty much occupied
me wholly. I know, I know. I have already written a post and expressed myself about
the same which ultimately helped me overcome its blues. Thank God the
birthday was on Saturday and that gave me a couple of days to recuperate and
face the Monday.

Apart from the
birthday thing, there’s another purpose for this weekend being an extra special
for me. Of late, I've been thinking of investing in a good,
worth-a-while sewing machine. Blame it on the various sewing blogs, Pinterest
and the numerous YouTube videos on DIY Sewing Projects. Sewing is not a
new thing for me as I have grown up watching my Mom sew everything right from
our dresses to her saree-blouses all by herself. Obviously,
she didn't have a high-class-loaded sewing machine so she did whatever
she could with her basic Merritt model, supposed to be quite a legendary brand
35 years back. She had the one that looked similar to the Singer one shown
below:

So, coming back to
me, we decided to go hunting for an appropriate model for my personal use.
After a brief research on the internet, I had pretty much made up my mind about
the brand I needed and didn't take long to pick one up. The one I
settled on is Usha Janome Allure. It looks like this…

This
machine is an automatic zig zag sewing machine with two dials for pattern and
stitch length selection and a free arm for circular stitching. It also has four
step button holing and stretch stitching. It has 14 built–in-stitches and 7
applications of which the main ones are - stretch stitching, four step button
holing, button fixing, rolled hemming, blind stitch hemming, zip fixing. Now,
all this sounds a bit too technical but I am waiting for the technician to turn
up and give me a demo before I get into that hobby-mode.

So, while I am
trying my hands on something I never thought I would, you guys have a great
week ahead!

Saturday, February 23, 2013

I am turning 35 this weekend and for some
reason it seems to be a bit of a breakthrough. Thirty-five. Five
years since Thirty; Five years from Forty. When I turned Thirty, I barely noticed.
I was yawning in the troughs of nurturing my new-borns. A “milk production,
constant diaper changing, ever baby cuddling, never resting and sleeping” device!
I barely noticed what season it was, leave alone that I had turned thirty. It
seems that ever since I have had kids, my ageing my evolution, my progression
in some way has sort of come to a shrieking standstill. And that’s been tolerable
actually. I have been gifted to pretend I am still 29, the age I was when kids
were born. I have virtually allowed myself believe that everything is just at a
halt, waiting for me to be back into the spectacle when things are much clearer
and the kids are a bit more self-reliant.

But here it is – I’ll soon turn 35. Age is banging
hard on my door, whether I like it or not. Body mass has redeployed itself – stuffs
around the back have appeared to have slurped through my body and settled down
on the front. I've got some grey hairs, sun burns have become more superficial,
and I can’t concentrate up close while reading quite well as I used to.

The other factual symptom that my life is
really not at halt waiting for my reappearance is the fact that my kiddos are
growing up. Nothing validates the fleeting time more obviously than children growing
in front of your very eyes. Almost six years have passed by since I have entered
motherhood and also turned thirty, and my growing children have ensured I don’t
live in denial about that realism.

Voilà!
As so many do, I am on my way to crank into the-big-thirty-five, reacting
with a squeak when I am reminded about that. Obviously, I am not too happy
about it and do feel sorry for myself. But, what the heck! This defeatism and
self-pity crap is surely irritating, and you know I am not the lone who does
it. Why can’t we just accept this unavoidable ageing progression and the
milestones that compliment it?

So to turn it up, and smack some wisdom into
myself, I consider this might be a decent time to take stock. I think to cheer
myself up and truly rejoice this mark of 35 years; I must list all that is worthy
about this phase. So read along as I attempt really hard to get into
the mood and comment on what a marvellous half full glass 35 in reality is.

I
can eventually just be comfortable into my own body. It is what it is! The
genes have already worked their magic and the baby-making is over and done with.
Well, I just can’t jump into that bikini straight away but I don’t need to give
a damn to anyone while picking that maxi-dress at a store.

By
this time, I have to recognize something. I have to have adequate life
experience that I can be confident about the way the world goes round. And if someone
asks for my advice on anything that I can, it better hold some water.

It wasn't too long ago when I was in a different set of clouds; engagement,
marriage and then the babies before my child-bearing age was over. And now, I've done it! I got that wrapped up. Now it’s time to work out the next steps devoid
of that crazy burden over my head.

Years
ago, before kids were born; I despised to be on my own. It looked senseless and
lonesome and too discreet. Now, I relish some time alone in my own company. To recollect
myself from the past, reflect my own feelings, craft my own outlooks. OK! I
still don’t enjoy flying unaccompanied for too long, but mind you, whatever
little time I get to myself, I savour and treasure.

At
35, all radio stations are my melodic companions. I enjoy the latest Top 10s as
much as some oldies that I hum since my childhood. These melodies make me feel
that I am still unaffected and when I unknowingly start swaying to the tune of
‘Pehlaa Nasha…’ I know it’s not over yet!

Grey
hairs on me can be given up for lost as “highlights”. At least I’d like to believe
so. And while we're on the subject, I know a lady who has ‘coloured’ her hair
grey, so you know what I mean!

I
give a damn to “What Not to Wear…” recommendations! At 35, I still feel like I
can buy those t-shirts with all those funny little messages printed on them and
get off scot-free.

Laugh
lines just proves you've been happy and joyful. And those laugh lines just enhances
your beauty when you smile.

As
I nurture and raise my adorable Twins, in any case I know that one day, I have departed
from this world with something really worthy and precious. That undeniably
negates any alleged bitching and nit-picking about my age.

35
is MERELY 35 and I look forward to more milestones and more achievements.

So, now that I have acknowledged I am at the
refined, intelligent and gratified age, perhaps I can stand my ground and truly
display how I have acquired a clue in future years. Every year onward, I am
going to try very hard not to dwell (“try” being the keyword) on the “ageing”
bit. Surely, enough already, it’s just frustrating. I want to live through it
and keep taking stock and having a good time celebrating those achievements –
big or small. And moreover, I need to get enthusiastic about what I still need
to tackle, learn, rejoice and relish. My chipmunks are growing up and a little
more independent – let’s deal with it, there is so much to accomplish!

And to conclude, in a casual conversation,
one of my friend mentioned that the day we are born isn't intended for regretting
about our grey hairs and worn-out body parts! Remember, this day is special
because someone heck had a hard time herself to make your entry into this
beautiful world all worth for. Yes! It’s none other than your mother. What else
could be a more earnest occasion than this day to offer her a kind gratitude
for her indeed incredible deed?

Whoa! We have blessed this world with our
gracious presence, done some really cool things, added value in whatever big or
small way and people have respected and loved us for it. And for those who want
to cheer us on, we have a duty to accept that love, blow some birthday candles
and get on with the party. So, a very very Happy Birthday to yours truly! Happy
birthday to another stage of my life…. A bit more mellowed yet lot more
mischievous!

Cheers to a new beginning!

(Many thanks to Women's Web for publishing this article on my birthday today! You guys just rock...:-)

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

As I have nothing substantial to deliver in
near future, all I do is reading some noteworthy blogs, especially written by
those who have been there…done that! I've realised that this has hugely facilitated
in overcoming some of my own deficiencies as a person, a friend, a wife and
more importantly a mother. One such, I could hardly ignore and hence sharing it here word-by-word. The original post can be found at:

Advice for Stressed Out Moms

I don't know about you, but I am at my wits end.

The never ending pile of laundry, the constant meal planning and preparation, driving kids from here to there, a home that is never clean, a car that is never clean, children that are never clean, and then whiny, disobedient kids to top it off.

On top of everything mom related, there is work issues, wanting to be a good wife and all that entails, wanting to keep in touch with and be a good friend to others, to volunteer and give back in the community, as well as meet personal goals.

I am stressed out.

The second I even let my head get in a place where I think about the stress and annoyance, the mom guilt slips in.

“But Jane is suffering from cancer and she still has a spotless home.”

“Lucy has five more kids than me and always looks flawless and calm.”

“Jill works a full time job, has two kids and four pets, volunteers at church, and has never complained once.”

Go Theodore! He is exactly right. I have found certain satisfaction in accomplishments only to turn around, see someone else “do it better” and immediately assume mine are awful.

And as a mom, wife, daughter, etc. I know that even when I am not comparing myself to others I can be overwhelmed with life’s daily tasks.

Sometimes its just hard.

I wanted to put together a list of things that can help! So here are a few things I do to ease my daily burdens and frustrations.

1. Embrace paper plates. Seriously. Get all natural organic recycled if you have to, but just try it. At least once a week.

2. Try saying yes to a child. I find myself saying NO all day long. No candy, no TV, no jumping, no screaming, etc. If I allow moments of “yes” I am finding that there is less fighting, less headaches for me, and less backtalk when I ask them to fulfill a different task. Its good to be consistent on important issues (like no running in the street and no hitting) but the occasional piece of candy is not worth me losing my mind over!

3. Hop onto your computer and laugh. I have this Pinterest Board called Quotes and it makes me smile every.single. time. All it takes is a good belly laugh for me to change my mood, perspective, and ability to respond to life like a normal, sane person. (Try reading this pin aboutRandom Acts of Kindness if you need some inspiration and joy!)

4. Make time to pursue your passion. I happen to love baking. I bake cakes and cupcakesand brownies and cookies. I get a sense of satisfaction in creating something beautiful.

Maybe yours is scrapbooking or needlepoint or karate or cooking or garage saleing. Just make sure you set aside some time for you.

Most have heard this before… but I had to hear it a 1,000 times before actually listening. I always felt like I was being selfish or unreasonable to take time away from my family to do what I felt like doing. The truth is that nurturing your self and soul is not selfish, it is our God given duty. He wants us healthy and calm and able to love as He calls us to!

5. Check one thing off your “list” everyday. Now, this one was painful for me to learn. I am talking excruciating. Being exhausted at night hardly lends itself to the extra motivation you sometimes need to complete tasks, and in those weak moments I would much rather leave things for the morning!

Know why that is a BAD bad idea? Then you start out your day in a negative. Having to clean to kitchen before you can make breakfast or having to start laundry so kids have clothes that day. Making the (sometimes hard) choice to do it that night allows a peaceful morning, and allows you to “fresh” state of mind when looking forward.

All that being said… one of the best things I can recommend is having a trusted sounding board. Maybe its heartfelt prayer time with God, venting while cuddling with hubby at night, or getting together with friends to compare notes.

Everyone has a doomed day when your ‘oomph’ goes missing, nothing enthrals you and your motivation is playing peek-a-boo with you. It’s as though there is a lead weight on your ‘charming self’. What can you do to get your zing back and feel happier again?

With demanding jobs, a zillion things on our ‘to-do’ list and the constant effort in living an ambitious life; it’s only human to get down in the dumps occasionally. To add to it there are other factors that aggravate; traffic in gridlock mode, kids that won’t stop sulking, maids in a huff or the economy. If this wasn't enough, many of our cheerful mornings are wiped out with just one look at the newspapers.

We aren't always fortunate to make a trip to the spa or invite our friends or family over to de-stress and cheer us up. In this article, I will share twelve sure-fire techniques to guarantee a ‘no-prescription-required’ breeze of cheer.

1. Carve your thoughts

It’s been proven that writing down the inner thoughts can immediately benefit in feeling free and relieved. Are you peeved about a bad day at work? Write about it. Blogging is another great way of an emotional ‘pick-me-up’, since a simple act of transferring the thoughts from your head onto another medium will give you spirits of resolution.

2. Get into workout mode

Isometrics, whether hard core Pilates or even a casual stroll releases endorphins which are otherwise known as ‘happiness chemicals’. Hence, it’s a good idea to take a brisk walk whenever your mood drops. You are sure to feel the difference.

3. Organise yourself

Cluttered drawers and desks can sometimes be really alarming. Your head will be much clearer just as your working area if you take some time in organising your surroundings. You don’t have to totally empty your closets to get such an effect, however simply sorting out things in a drawer or even in your kitchen will instantly boost your morale and thus productivity.

4. Jam-jam-jamming

Music is a great source to release those ‘feel-good’ chemicals in your brain. Next time you feel low, tune in to ‘your-kind-of-music’ to blast away those dejections. Your all-time-favourite melody can transform your sulk into euphoria instantly.

5. Soul searching

None amongst us is alien to the technique of relaxation – meditation. Studies have shown that it can defend the psyche against gloomy thoughts and anguish. Try taking slow yet deep breaths just for about five minutes and you’ll be amazed to notice how light you actually feel.

6. Be rainbow bright

Get dressed in your most favourite colour, so what if it’s bright yellow. It’s been proven that colours have a reflective influence on how we feel and compose ourselves as certain shades have been associated with particular emotional states, for e.g. blue can stimulate creativity while red can aid in accuracy.

7. Relaxing scents

When you’re emotionally low, essential oils can make you feel more optimistic, calmer and blissful. A cup of tea with two teaspoons of the whole Lavender can help you unwind and feel more enriched. A few drops of the essential oil added to a warm bath at the close of a taxing day helps to battle exhaustion and ease your qualms.

8. Give me some sunshine

The sun plays a dynamic role in our fitness and well-being and not getting enough of it can make us feel pretty gloomy. So, if your morning didn't really turn out the way you envisaged, don’t fret over it with the curtains closed feeling pathetic about yourself. Instead, open the windows and blinds and enjoy that sunlight flooding in. If nothing else, this will certainly lift your mood in a tick.

9. Watch a funny video

Internet is the greatest source of funniest videos – right from the Gangnam style dancing babies to dogs on the skateboards to the re-run of your favourite comedy TV shows. It’s worth noting that laughter releases endorphin which is awesome in boosting the mood promptly. Hence, next time you feel blue, try catching up with ‘Comedy Circus’ or ‘Friends’ or even an all-time-favourite movie ‘Padosan’ which will definitely release some giggles and guffaws.

10. Flip through old photos

Who wouldn't be exultant and content looking at the photographs of good old times and our loved ones? That feeling of ease and joy is a sure remedy to revitalize your day. We seldom tend to reach for our old photo albums and what else can be a better motive than to chase off our solitude and anxiety!

11. Sex

Great sex may be one of the ultimate mood boosters, if it is within a mutually committed relationship. In fact, semen contains dominant and potentially addictive mood-altering chemicals that may enhance your mood if some of them are absorbed through the walls of the vagina.

12. Stock on snacks

We've all had our days when we’re totally dragging and instead of reaching for that pack of chips, there’s a smarter way to beat that crash. Stashing some or all of the below snacks in your fridge can be a great saver for that insta-energy.

Dark chocolate

Yep, I know I've just typed those two ridiculously sinful words. Besides having special antioxidants in it, dark chocolate keeps blood vessels in fine fettle. It also causes our body to release endorphins which enhances our mood.

Nuts, like almonds or walnuts

Nuts are confirmed to contribute an additional vigour helping you stay attentive due to the presence of Omega-3s, a well-known mood booster. So, it makes perfect sense in having a handful for munching on or adding some to your salads. Delish!

Fruits and veggies

As veggies are full of H2O, your body will promptly respond to them. And more water means energy boost. Certain vegetables like tomatoes have outrageous amounts of antioxidants, which again bless your system with happiness and good health. Fruits like oranges and grapefruits are rich in Vitamin C and hence are immediate energy promoters battling fatigue instantly.

Seafood

Seafood and shellfish contains Selenium that is accountable for the contentment that you feel, and can support you to ease anxiety and enrich you with the ‘get-up-and-go’ attitude.

Plenty of water

Sticking to that “8 glasses of water a day” rule is one of the most treasured things you can do for your physical and mental health. Revitalizing your body with more water is proved to have instantaneous energy effects adding a happy boost.

Thursday, February 14, 2013

NO, I wasn't scrutinizing my vocabulary on the adjectives; I
was fairly sharing my emotional state of being ALONE…well-nigh all by yourself,
with kids hitting the sack and no one to talk to. Well, this is the typical
scene at my home day after day but today? Wasn't today
exceptional? Wasn't it meant to be for all those who're bound by
affection, love and care? Wasn't it doomed to be spent together; with
someone close to you?

Each year, I make a puerile wish and desire for something different. I
hope for a variation in the monotony. I hope for something that will really
sweep me off my feet. No, I am not a college kid and I am very conscious of the
fact that I shall soon be turning 35, the big breakthrough in womanhood when
the clock is meant to be ticking the reverse way! Well, I am someone who’s been
married for the last Twelve years with an adorable set of Twins.
(Disregard my recent post condemning
Motherhood…that was just momentary thwart)

Still…..I love being showered with roses, gifted with chocolates,
offered with amazing perfumes and invited over for a lavish, romantic,
candlelit dinner! I recognise that he loves me profoundly but I also know for
definite that he wouldn't do any of the above…no chance, at all!

Hence, I decided to indulge myself and make me feel special. I got these
beautiful red roses, each dedicated to the most adorable people in my life.
Yes, you read it right! They are dedicated to the man I love the most (after
Pa, of course) and my two beloveds who undoubtedly enhance my insanity
sometimes but make my life all worth for!

And although, you don't give me roses and chocolates and
perfumes are perhaps, the least you are thinking, I still love you!

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Hey...it's me!

This blog is my long cherished dream. After a glorious career with a leading software company, I opted for a sabbatical to nurture my Twins and to ensure a childhood they will always cherish.

This is my private space...my dreams...my thoughts! This is my 'me' where I can express what my feelings are...what my dreams are! This is all about what I think and how I perceive the world around me.

You're welcome to give me a pat on a back or a kick through your comments as I believe that it will only enrich my experience!

I still fumble with ideas and thoughts...sometimes, I still find it difficult to express my feelings...I still fall short of words...but it's all worth for! As this is a journey I have decided to embark only to explore my horizons and I am glad that my dreams are my best companions!